Pete Hegseth Pledges to Restore Warrior Ethos in U.S. Military

[Social Media]

 

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, faced a challenging Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, defending himself against allegations of misconduct and asserting his commitment to reshaping the U.S. military. The 44-year-old combat veteran and former Fox News host promised to eliminate “wokeness” and instill a renewed “warrior culture” under Trump’s leadership.  

"Politics should play no part in military matters. We are not Republicans, we are not Democrats, we are American warriors. Our standards will be high and they will be equal — not equitable, that's a very different word," Pete Hegseth says. https://t.co/iqKBu3KuTC pic.twitter.com/OoXFh8WI4C

— ABC News (@ABC) January 14, 2025

 

Hegseth’s nomination comes with significant scrutiny, as senators questioned his qualifications and addressed controversies surrounding his past. Allegations of sexual assault, excessive drinking, and controversial remarks about women in combat have been raised against him. Hegseth, who denies all accusations, described himself as the target of a “smear campaign.” He emphasized his readiness to bring change, declaring, “It’s time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm.”  

 

As the first of Trump’s cabinet nominees to face a Senate hearing, Hegseth’s confirmation is seen as a litmus test of the former president’s influence over the Republican Party. Despite the GOP holding a 53-47 Senate majority, skepticism about Hegseth’s ability to manage the Pentagon’s $850 billion budget and oversee its vast military and civilian workforce lingers among some Republicans.  

 

Democratic senators were particularly pointed in their criticism. Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, argued that the allegations against Hegseth, including claims of workplace intoxication, would disqualify any other military leader from a position of authority. Hegseth dismissed these allegations, stating, “It was a false claim then, it’s a false claim now,” regarding a 2017 sexual assault investigation, which he settled out of court last year as a “nuisance lawsuit.”  

 

Hegseth also reiterated his resolve to depoliticize the military, vowing to remove “woke” policies and ensure accountability within the armed forces. He pledged a thorough review of senior military leadership, including General Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, if Trump requested it. “The wokeness comes not from the uniformed ranks, but from the political class,” Hegseth stated, promising a “recruiting renaissance” to address declining enlistment numbers.  

 

However, his critics remain unconvinced. Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran and double amputee, called Hegseth “wholly unqualified” for the challenges ahead, which include the ongoing war in Ukraine, escalating tensions with China, and instability in the Middle East. “How can we ask … soldiers to train and perform at the absolute highest standards when you are asking us to lower the standards to make you secretary of defense?” Duckworth questioned.  

 

Trump, who will return to the White House on Monday, expressed unwavering support for his nominee. In a social media post before the hearing, the former president affirmed Hegseth’s capability, declaring he had Trump’s “complete and total support.”  

 

If confirmed, Hegseth will face the dual challenges of addressing external global threats and navigating internal divisions within the U.S. military. His vision of reshaping the Pentagon to reflect a more traditional “warrior culture” underscores his determination to align the armed forces with Trump’s broader agenda.

 

Based on a report by The Times 2024-01-16

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

Hegseth also reiterated his resolve to depoliticize the military, vowing to remove “woke” policies and ensure accountability within the armed forces. He pledged a thorough review of senior military leadership, including General Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, if Trump requested it. “The wokeness comes not from the uniformed ranks, but from the political class,” Hegseth stated, promising a “recruiting renaissance” to address declining enlistment numbers.  

I hope he gets to do that. The US military has been degraded in the past 4 years, IMO.

[soalbundy]

Well he's right about the 'wokeness aspect but warrior ethos ? Somewhat of a romantic statement for what are basically hired guns.

[stevenl]

Having a lack of experience is now a plus, being a serial adulterer, accused rapist, right wing crusader and often out of control drunk are no objections anymore.

[WDSmart]

I'll take "wokeness" over a "warrior ethos" everywhere. 

[JonnyF]

Great news. 

 

We've seen recently with the LA fires what happens when you put DEI nonsense ahead of competence. 

[SiSePuede419]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

Pete Hegseth

Will Foster understanding across the Brooks of difference between top grade hootch and enlisted men's swill. 

 

Our Trump boys must drink top shelf. 🏆

[SiSePuede419]

6 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

We've seen recently with the LA fires what happens when you put DEI nonsense ahead of competence. 

You're right.  The LA fire was clearly caused by the SANTA ANNA WIND and that's definitely Mexican.  Usually the wind blows west to east from Santa Monica through the White Jewish neighborhoods of Westwood into Beverly Hills through the Miracle Mile.

But that awful Mexican wind blows in from the Eastside where all the Mexicans live.

If only we had the competent Westside winds, not of this would have happened. 😂

[SiSePuede419]

34 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Having a lack of experience is now a plus, being a serial adulterer, accused rapist, right wing crusader and often out of control drunk are no objections anymore.

His new boss suffers from all the same afflictions except substitute out of control bowel movements for drinking...

 

Smells like it's time to change Diaper Donnie. 🧷

[JonnyF]

1 minute ago, SiSePuede419 said:

You're right.  The LA fire was clearly caused by the SANTA ANNA WIND and that's definitely Mexican.  Usually the wind blows west to east from Santa Monica through the White Jewish neighborhoods of Westwood into Beverly Hills through the Miracle Mile.

But that awful Mexican wind blows in from the Eastside where all the Mexicans live.

If only we had the competent Westside winds, not of this would have happened. 😂

 

Nice try.

 

Second thoughts, no it wasn't.  😄

 

Back in reality, it was caused by empty reservoirs, unmaintanied forests and a fire department that had it's budget cut, whose remaining staff had been selected on their immutable characteristics rather than their ability to do the job.

 

Hegseth will ensure the same mistake does not happen in the military. Kudos to him and for Trump appointing him.